Samuel Pierce facts for kids
Samuel Riley Pierce Jr. (born September 8, 1922 – died October 31, 2000) was an American lawyer and politician. He was the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from 1981 to 1989. He served during the time Ronald Reagan was President of the United States.
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Pierce
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| 8th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development | |
| In office January 23, 1981 – January 20, 1989 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Moon Landrieu |
| Succeeded by | Jack Kemp |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Samuel Riley Pierce
September 8, 1922 Glen Cove, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 31, 2000 (aged 78) Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Barbara Penn Wright |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Cornell University (BA, JD) New York University (LLM) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Unit | Criminal Investigation Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Samuel Pierce Jr. was born and grew up in Glen Cove, New York. His father, also named Samuel Pierce, moved from Virginia to New York in 1899. This was during the early years of the Great Migration. Many Black Americans moved north to escape unfair laws and find better jobs. Pierce's father worked at a country club on Long Island for over 40 years.
Samuel Pierce Jr. was an Eagle Scout. This is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts. He also received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He was a member of the New York Young Republican Club.
Pierce served in the United States Army during World War II. He was part of the Criminal Investigation Division. After the war, he went to Cornell University. He earned his first degree in 1947. He then got a law degree from Cornell Law School in 1949. Later, he earned a master's degree in law from New York University School of Law in 1952.
A Career in Law and Government
Samuel Pierce Jr. started his government career as an assistant United States Attorney in New York. He held this job from 1953 to 1955. He was a member of the Republican Party for his whole life. He first worked in government when Dwight D. Eisenhower was president. In 1955, he became an assistant to the Undersecretary of Labor.
In 1959, Governor Nelson Rockefeller chose Pierce to be a judge. He served on the New York City Court of General Sessions until 1960. During this time, he even appeared on a popular TV game show called What's My Line?.
In 1961, Pierce became a partner at the law firm of Battle Fowler. He was the first African-American partner at a major law firm in New York. He worked there until 1981. From 1970 to 1973, during President Nixon's time, he worked for the United States Department of the Treasury. He was the main lawyer, called General Counsel.
Pierce also argued a very important case in front of the Supreme Court of the United States. This case was about freedom of speech. It was called New York Times v. Sullivan. He represented Martin Luther King Jr. and The New York Times.
Leading Housing and Urban Development
In 1981, Samuel Pierce became the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He worked under President Ronald Reagan. HUD is a government department that helps people find good housing. It also helps communities grow.
Pierce was the only African-American person in Reagan's Cabinet. He was also the only Cabinet member to stay in his job for both of Reagan's terms as President. This means he served for eight years.
Sometimes, President Reagan would make mistakes. Once, at a lunch, he thought Pierce was one of the mayors there. He famously said, "Hello, Mr. Mayor." Because Pierce often kept a low profile, some people jokingly called him "Silent Sam."
During his time at HUD, the money for low-income housing was reduced. Funding for building new homes also changed. Pierce focused on managing the department's programs.
Later Life and Passing
Samuel Pierce passed away on October 31, 2000. He was 78 years old. He died at the Holy Cross Hospital near Washington, D.C.
See also
